Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria?

To participate on the Western Sydney University Student Exchange Program, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above over your whole academic record to date.
  • Whilst on exchange you must be enrolled in a minimum of 30 Western Sydney University credit points each semester.
  • International students are encouraged to apply but must choose an exchange destination other than their Home Country.
  • Part-time students are encouraged to apply, however you must be on track to be completing a minimum of 40 credits overall at the time of application.
  • Final-year students can undertake an exchange during their final session of study at Western Sydney University, however approval must first be checked with your Academic Course Adviser or Director of Academic Program
  • Nursing and Medicine students are not able to participate in semester-based exchange programs. Nursing and Medicine students wishing to incorporate an overseas studies experience to their degree may wish to consult their School for any available international study tours or clinical placements. Please note Medical Science is possible.
  • Undergraduate Students: The earliest session in which you can apply is in your first session of study at Western Sydney University. You must be on track to be completing a minimum of 40 credits in that session.
  • Postgraduate Students enrolled in a 1 year degree must apply during their first session/quarter of study at Western Sydney University (as Western Sydney University may be able to accommodate you on exchange during your second session of your degree). Students taking units on a quarter based system through the School of Business are encouraged to apply during their first/second quarter (as Western Sydney University may be able to accommodate you on exchange during your third and fourth quarter of your degree).

See Who can go for further information about eligibility.

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Where can I go?

There are around 300 universities where you can study on exchange. Students can go on exchange to Exchange Partner Universities, as well as member universities of the ISEP and AEN networks. For a full list of partner universities, see Where can I go for further information.

How can I afford to study overseas on exchange?

It generally costs between $7000-$10,000 per semester to go on exchange, depending on your destination, exchange rates and your personal lifestyle and spending habits.

Tuition fees: As an exchange student, you only pay tuition fees to your home university. You will continue to pay your fees through HECS HELP to Western Sydney University (or upfront) as per usual. You will not pay tuition fees at your host university.

Insurance: Western Sydney University provides medical and travel insurance for all Exchange Students for the duration of their exchange studies. You will need to provide cover for personal travel outside your host country during your exchange.

Scholarships: Every Western Sydney University Exchange Student receives a scholarship that is allocated as part of the exchange application process (no separate application is required). The amount ranges from $500-$5000 and will depend on your destination and your GPA.

Centrelink: If you currently receive Centrelink payments, you will normally continue to receive them while studying overseas on exchange. Sometimes students become eligible for the first time as they are living away from home while on exchange. Please enquire to Centrelink regarding your eligibility.

OSHELP: This government loan is available to Australian citizens who will have at least 10 credit points left in their degree on their return from exchange. The loan amount is added to your HECS debt. The current amount is $6,250 per semester ($7,500 for study in Asia) and can be claimed twice in your lifetime.

See Money matters and Scholarships for further information.

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How do I apply for exchange?

You apply for exchange one year in advance. If you want to go on exchange in the first semester of 2015, you apply this semester. If you want to go on exchange in second semester next year, you apply in the second semester of this year.

The first step in the application process is to attend an Exchange Information Session. At the session you will receive the application form, learn how to find a partner university and find out about costs, insurance, credit transfer, scholarships and more.

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How do I find out more?

Please read through the information available on Western Sydney University Students Go Global and register for an Exchange Information Session.

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